National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day is on February 18 and is certainly a day of celebration for all seafood lovers around the world. Crab-stuffed flounder is composed of a delectable combination of crab meat, butter, bread crumbs, and seasoning, which can be stuffed into the flounder or rolled up into the fillets and baked. There are 100s of different species of flounder and this flatfish is generally divided into right-eyed and left-eyed families.
History of National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
Because fish itself is so flavorful, it’s easy to appreciate the simplicity of this meal. Crab-stuffed flounder is a fuss-free dish to make and is even easier to clean off the plate. The creativity of how this meal is put together and its outstanding taste are what make crab-stuffed flounder an exceptional dish.Although the origins of National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day remain unknown, it’s a day set aside to commemorate the dish’s unique and intriguing flavors. This seafood delicacy is usually made by stuffing a mixture of crabmeat, butter, and breadcrumbs into a whole flounder. Alternatively, the crab mixture is sometimes rolled up into flounder fillets to make roulades. It is then baked in the oven until it’s cooked all the way through and served hot.Common species of the flounder found in the United States are the winter and Pacific flounders. While there are thousands of species of crab, only certain ones can be eaten. The blue crab, stone crab, Dungeness, lord, and rock or snow crabs are some of the popular, edible ones in the United States. White crab meat is the best choice to combine with flounder, where the crab flakes become indistinguishable, as with crab cakes. Mashed potatoes, fries, spinach, green beans, green salad, or mixed steamed vegetables compliment crab-stuffed flounder well.With an abundance of holidays dedicated to food throughout the year, National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day is one of the more well-known ones and although there are people who have never heard of it, the day is worth celebrating if you’re a ‘bon vivant’.
National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day timeline
John Roxborough Norman's Monograph of the Flatfish is first published.
Statistics show that Europe, Japan, and the U.S. combined account for 47% of the world's total fish consumption.
Due to overfishing, world stocks of large predatory and groundfish, including sole and flounder, are estimated to be about 10% of pre-industrial levels.
A 50-million-year-old fossil, ‘Amphistium,’ is identified as an early relative of the flatfish and transitional fossil.
National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day FAQs
How do you know when the flounder is done?
You can check if a flounder is thoroughly cooked by cutting it with a fork at an angle, at the thickest point, and twisting gently. The fish will flake easily when cooked and will lose its translucent or raw appearance.
How do you cook frozen stuffed flounder?
Preheat the oven to 350°F and remove the tray from the carton and then the film from the tray completely. Brush frozen stuffed fillets with butter and place the tray on a baking sheet. Bake for about 40 minutes.
Should you eat the skin on a stuffed flounder?
Although you can eat the skin of a flounder, stuffed flounder is best enjoyed skinless. Skinning them before they are cooked is an easy process and is exactly the same as skinning cod or haddock.
How to Celebrate National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
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Make your own crab-stuffed flounder
Celebrate by making your own creative version of crab-stuffed flounder at home. Although the dish looks fancy it’s very easy to make. Pair it with a glass of Riesling, the ideal complement to this dish.
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Try flounder at a restaurant
If you don’t feel like cooking, use this day to excuse yourself from the kitchen and enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant instead. Visit local seafood restaurants and try out different styles of crab-stuffed flounders.
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Invite your friends and family
Host a dinner party to celebrate National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day. Alternatively, make the dish and take it to friends or family as a treat.
5 Tasty Facts About Flounder
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They change color when threatened
When threatened, flounders usually turn pale to be less visible to predators — the color of their bodies also indicates an emotional state.
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Parallel fish that forgets its spots
The Latin name for the Southern flounder is ‘Paralichthys lethostigma’ and means “parallel fish that forgot its spots.”
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Flounders can grow very big
These fish can reach up to 27 inches in length and the females are generally larger than males.
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Eye migration
As flounders grow from the larval to juvenile stage, one eye moves until both are on the same side of the head.
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The flounder is an ambush predator
It lays motionless on the seafloor and waits for potential prey to appear and grabs it in a blink of an eye.
Why We Love National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day
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It’s a celebration for seafood lovers
This remarkable dish, featuring a wonderful combination of crab, bread crumbs, butter, and seasoning is an absolute delight for all seafood lovers around the planet. Whether you make it at home or enjoy it at a restaurant, the crab-stuffed flounder never disappoints.
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Flounders are good for your health
Studies have shown that eating flounder may lower cholesterol levels, protect fetal health, and reduce inflammation. Research also suggests that it may help to alleviate mild symptoms of depression.
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It is simple yet majestic
The crab-stuffed flounder is not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to make. This characteristic makes it a perfect dish to relish without having to spend hours in the kitchen.
National Crab Stuffed Flounder Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 18 | Saturday |
| 2024 | February 18 | Sunday |
| 2025 | February 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | February 18 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | February 18 | Thursday |
